Communication-intensive Courses (CiC) Symposium 2026
Summary
You are cordially invited to join the Communication-intensive Courses (CiC) Symposium on 5 May 2026. The event is co-organized by Communication Intensive Courses (CiC), Teaching and Learning Innovation Centre (TALIC), Common Core and Centre for Applied English Studies (CAES). One of the highlights of the event is a keynote and workshop by Professor Sivanes Phillipson from Swinburne University of Technology, Australia.
Join the Event
Date: 5th May 2026 (Tuesday)
Time: 9:30am – 3:30pm (HKT)
Venue: Arts Tech Lab, RM4.35, 4/F Run Run Shaw Tower, Centennial Campus, HKU
Contact: cics@hku.hk
*Lunch will be included*
Abstract
This symposium examines the role of communication as a pedagogical foundation for enhancing student engagement, learning outcomes, and graduate preparedness across disciplines. The programme brings together faculty perspectives on designing and delivering communication-intensive courses, alongside innovative assessment practices that promote student engagement and applied learning. The symposium culminates in student-led teaching demonstrations, positioning learners as active contributors to knowledge construction and dissemination. By foregrounding communication as both a skill and a pedagogy, the event invites critical dialogue on how institutions can cultivate learner agency, disciplinary literacy, and future-ready capabilities through intentional curricular and communicative design.
About the Keynote Speaker
Professor Sivanes Phillipson is Chair Professor of Education and former Dean (International) at Swinburne University of Technology, Australia. With over 25 years of experience across higher education systems in Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Australia, she is recognised for her leadership in teaching excellence, student engagement, and learning centred curriculum design. Her work champions research informed, inclusive, and high impact pedagogical practices that enhance student and graduate success across diverse contexts. Sivanes is deeply committed to mentoring educators and higher degree research students and to shaping future focused learning environments through innovative teaching, curriculum leadership, and educational scholarship.
Event Rundown
09:30 – 09:35 (5 mins)
Opening
Professor Julian Alexander Tanner, Director, Common Core
09:35 – 10:20 (45 mins)
Keynote: From Learning to Leading: Advancing Communication Literacy Through Student-Led Engagement
Professor Sivanes Phillipson from Swinburne University of Technology will deliver a thought-provoking keynote on communication as a cornerstone of pedagogy. The session explores faculty strategies for designing communication-intensive courses, innovative assessments, and fostering student-led teaching, emphasizing how these practices enhance student engagement, learning outcomes, and graduate readiness.
Professor Sivanes Phillipson, Department Chair, Education School of Social Sciences, Media, Film and Education, Swinburne University of Technology, Australia
10:20 – 10:25 (5 mins)
Break
10:25 – 11:25 (60 mins)
Join-the-Dialogue: SOWK4009 – Capstone Project in Counselling
This session highlights the innovative teaching and assessment practices in the communication-intensive course, SOWK4009. Dr. Stanley Oloji Isangha, Ms. Cecilia Tam, and Ms. Vivien Lee will share their experiences in fostering visual and digital literacy skills among students. They will discuss the design of assessments, the teaching and learning activities used to prepare students, and their reflections on teaching a communication-intensive course.
Dr. Stanley Oloji Isangha, Assistant Lecturer, Department of Social Work and Social Administration
Ms. Cecilia Tam, Lecturer, School of Public Health
Biography
Ms Cecilia Tam graduated from the University of Waterloo, Canada (Hons. Bachelor of Arts) in Sociology and English Language and Literature. She obtained both her Master of Public Health and Master of Philoposhy at the University of Hong Kong. Since joining the School of Public Health, Ms Tam has been actively involved in undergraduate teaching for both medical, nursing and allied medical students, which includes problem-based learning, problem based public health, medical sociology and evidence-based practice public health. She is involved with academic curriculum coordination for MBBS Problem Based Public Health module, nursing course Health Sociology, Patient Care Project, and Patient Care Project-Palliative and Supportive Care. She is also a member of the MBBS Year 3 Enrichment Year Humanitarian Services committee.
The focus of her research is on palliative care and end of life care, medical decision making, and doctor patient communication. Other research interests include quality of life, elderly care and medical education.
Ms. Vivien Lee, Assistant Lecturer, Faculty of Education (Academic Unit of Language and Literacy Education)
Biography
Ms Vivien LEE is an Assistant Lecturer in the Experiential Learning Team at the Faculty of Education. To support her course coordination and experiential learning design, with a strong focus on communication, collaboration, and student-centred learning, Vivien has worked with the CIC team to badge her experiential learning courses and co-create the communication component of the course curriculum, strengthening students’ ability to articulate ideas and communicate effectively across diverse learning contexts.
Her badged courses include Ocean Park Experiential Learning Project, Ps of Mind in Education: A Mindfulness-based Experiential Learning Project, Outdoor Environmental Education Experiential Learning Project, and Opening Doors to Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) – An Experiential Learning Project in Sri Lanka. Through these courses, she has facilitated meaningful partnerships, supported students in real-world learning environments, and developed communication-focused learning experiences that connect academic content with practice.
11:25 – 11:30 (5 mins)
Distinguished Communicator Award (DCA) Promotion
11:30 – 12:15 (45 mins)
What Works for Us: A Student Demo on Effective Teaching (CCST9081)
Students from CCST9081 will demonstrate effective teaching practices, showcasing innovative approaches to engage learners and foster active participation. This session highlights how students themselves can take on the role of educators, contributing to the co-construction of knowledge and exemplifying practices in teaching.
Ms. Aria Desloge, Year 4, BA (HDT)
Mr. Kobe Mo, Year 3, BA (History)
Mr. Tatfeef Haque, Year 2, BSc (Biological Sciences)
12:15 – 13:15 (60 mins)
Lunch (Poster (STaR)/Micro Courses/DCA Promotion)
13:15 – 13:20 (5 mins)
Afternoon Session Opening
Professor Jay Siegel, Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Teaching and Learning)
13:20 – 14:50 (90 mins)
Workshop: Teaching for Learning: Balancing Universal Design with Pedagogical Content Knowledge
Led by Professor Sivanes Phillipson, this interactive workshop examines how Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK) can be integrated to create inclusive and effective teaching practices. Participants will explore communication-rich strategies, practical tools, and adaptable approaches to support diverse learners and foster learner-led engagement.
Professor Sivanes Phillipson, Department Chair, Education School of Social Sciences, Media, Film and Education, Swinburne University of Technology, Australia
14:50 – 14:55 (5 mins)
Break
14:55 – 15:05 (10 mins)
Communication-intensive Experience Project: Infinite Frames Film Festival 2026
Dr. Nikolas Ettel and his cross-cohort, cross-disciplinary student team will share their journey in organizing the 4th edition of the Infinite Frames Students’ Short Film Festival 2026 at Tai Kwun as part of the Communication-Intensive Experience Project. They will present insights into the creative processes of bringing a student-led film festival to life.
Dr. Nikolas Ettel, Associate Curator, University Museum and Art Gallery & Adjunct Lecturer, Faculty of Arts
Ms. Chi Wan Lam (Marcia), Year 2, BA & BEd (Eng)
Mr. Junyang Lin, Year 1, MALCS
Ms. Si Chloe Sih, Year 2, BA (HDT)
Ms. Yutong Zhou, Year 1, BSocSc
Mr. Zhuang Meng, Year 1, MScCPM
Ms. Peitong Qian (Patty), Year 5, BA (CLGS)
Ms. Hau Ching Ki (Hayley), Year 2, BA, HKBU
15:05 – 15:45 (40 mins)
Student Teaching Demonstration (VADR) & Video Editing Workshop
The Visual and Digital Resources (VADR) student peer consultants will lead a teaching demonstration and video editing workshop. This session will spotlight their efforts in enhancing communication through visual and digital literacy, showcasing how these student leaders empower their peers with hands-on skills and creative approaches to effective visual communication.
Mr. Japar, Ignatius De Loyola Dominique (Ilo), Year 3, BEng
Ms. Wong, Lok Hei Kennedy, Year 3, BASc
Ms. Kumar, Aditi, Year 3, BBA
Ms. Li, Catherine, Year 2, BASc
Ms. Lau, Ka Yi Athena, Year 4, BEd
Ms. Ainadin, Meruyert, Year 2, BArch
15:45 – 15:50 (5 mins)
Closing
Dr. Jannie Roed, Director, Teaching and Learning Innovation Centre (TALIC)
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at cics@hku.hk. See you at the event!